Course Objective

To acquire knowledge of/ and insight into:
- the concepts, models and issues of science journalism according to
contemporary scientific literature
- the roles of science journalism in society
- the mechanisms of medialogic

To acquire skills in:
- writing popular scientific texts for different genres such as news,
background and interview
- science journalism using videos
- designing science communication for different media such as newspaper,
radio and internet

Orientation to the professional practice of science journalism

Course Content

This course teaches the basic principles of science journalism. The
course is taught in Dutch.

A series of lectures introduces you to the world of journalism, media
and society. The topics addressed are:
- New models: how current trends like digitalization and democratization
require new models of science journalism for it to fulfill its vital
role in the interaction between science and society.
- Roles of journalism: how science journalists nurture the relationship
between science and society as reporters, storytellers, critical
watchdogs, educators and more.
- Medialogic: how the media shapes our perception and appreciation of
science and technology in society, reviewing topics such as uncertainty,
framing, expertise, hypes and myths.

The science journalism course closely cooperates with the practice of
journalism. Guest lectures provide insight into the professional
practice of science journalists. The guest speakers work as freelancer,
editor or producerat diverse science media, such as newspapers,
broadcasting media, online magazines and documentary film. Guest
speakers are involved in introducing and assessing the assignments.

Finally, the course trains specific skills that you need as a science
journalist, such as popular writing, popular science videos,
interviewing, and media design.

Teaching Methods

Lectures and seminars on theory and practice of science journalism and
writing skill training (36h). Considerable time is set aside for
performing science journalism in assignments (108h). The assignments are
assessed by lecturers and fellow students (peer-review process). Self
study (remaining hours).

Method of Assessment

Several individual assignments (60%), several small group assignments
(40%). All assignments must be passed (grade > 6).

Literature

Announced on Canvas one month before start of the course

Target Audience

All Master students with a Beta-Bachelor degree. Students taking this
course as part of their C-specialisation within FALW or FEW will have
precedence over other students. Students from other faculties and or
universities need to get formal consent from the course coördinator
(Frank Kupper) before enrolment.

Additional Information

Course is taught in Dutch. More information: f.kupper@vu.nl.